Extended-release lipid-foam encapsulated epidural morphine: clinical efficacy and safety precautions.

DepoDur is a unique delivery system that has a Food and Drug Administration-approved recommended close of 15 mg for orthopedic lower extremity surgery and a 10- to 15-mg dose for lower abdominal or pelvic surgery. Some patients may benefit from a 20-mg dose, but the incidence of serious adverse respiratory events has been close related in clinical trials. For cesarean section, the recommended dose is 10 mg. Most patients will require supplemental analgesics during the 48 hours post surgical procedure as well as routine monitoring similar to present continuous epidural monitoring procedures. The unique delivery system requires additional safety and storage precautions. The clinical studies to date do not show DepoDur administration to have any lower adverse reaction profile compared to standard epidural morphine.